How to Follow Hashtags on Instagram: Your Definitive Guide

Following hashtags on Instagram is a powerful way to curate your feed, discover new content, and stay connected with communities that resonate with your interests. It’s a simple yet remarkably effective feature. Here’s how you do it:

1. Open the Instagram App: Launch the Instagram application on your smartphone.
2. Use the Search Function: Tap the magnifying glass icon located at the bottom of the screen to access the Explore page.
3. Enter the Hashtag: In the search bar at the top of the Explore page, type the hashtag you want to follow (e.g., #travelphotography).
4. Select “Tags”: Instagram will display different categories related to your search term. Choose the “Tags” option.
5. Select the Hashtag: Click on the specific hashtag you want to follow from the list of results.
6. Tap “Follow”: Once you’re on the hashtag page, you’ll see a “Follow” button at the top. Tap this button to start following the hashtag.

That’s it! Posts featuring that hashtag will now appear in your Instagram feed, interwoven with content from accounts you already follow. Now, let’s dive deeper into some frequently asked questions to truly master this invaluable Instagram feature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Following Hashtags

Here’s a comprehensive collection of FAQs, designed to equip you with everything you need to know about leveraging hashtags on Instagram to the fullest.

1. How many hashtags can I follow on Instagram?

Instagram doesn’t publicly disclose a precise limit on the number of hashtags you can follow. However, like following accounts, there’s likely a threshold beyond which Instagram may flag your activity as potentially spammy. A practical recommendation is to stick to following a few hundred hashtags at most. Focus on the ones that genuinely interest you to avoid overwhelming your feed and triggering any algorithms designed to detect bot-like behavior.

2. Can I unfollow hashtags I no longer want to see in my feed?

Absolutely! Unfollowing hashtags is just as easy as following them. Simply go to the hashtag page (search for it in the Explore section, then choose “Tags”), and tap the “Following” button. It will change back to “Follow,” indicating you’ve unfollowed the hashtag. You can also access a list of all hashtags you follow via your account settings (usually within your “Following” or “Interests” sections, although the exact location can vary based on Instagram updates).

3. Will I see every post that uses a hashtag I follow?

No. Instagram uses its algorithm to determine which posts you see, even when following hashtags. The algorithm prioritizes content based on factors like engagement (likes and comments), the relationship between you and the poster (if any), and the post’s recency. You’re more likely to see posts from accounts you frequently interact with that also use the hashtag. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see every single post with the hashtag in your feed.

4. Can I follow hashtags privately, so others don’t know I’m following them?

Currently, Instagram doesn’t offer a way to privately follow hashtags. When you follow a hashtag, it doesn’t appear on your public profile or in your list of followers. However, if you interact with posts featuring the hashtag (liking, commenting), your username will be visible to others on those specific posts.

5. Does following a hashtag notify the account that used it in their post?

No. Accounts are not notified when someone follows a hashtag. They only receive notifications when someone interacts directly with their content – liking, commenting, saving, or following their profile. So, feel free to follow hashtags without worrying about notifying everyone who uses them.

6. Are there benefits to following niche hashtags over broad ones?

Definitely! While following popular, broad hashtags like #travel can expose you to a large volume of content, niche hashtags often provide more targeted and relevant results. For example, following #landscapephotography might be more useful than just #photography if you’re specifically interested in landscape photos. Niche hashtags also tend to foster more engaged and supportive communities.

7. How can I discover new hashtags to follow?

There are several methods. One is to explore related hashtags when you’re already viewing a post. Instagram often suggests similar hashtags. Another approach is to use third-party hashtag research tools that analyze trending hashtags and provide suggestions based on your interests. Paying attention to which hashtags influential accounts in your niche are using is also a valuable strategy.

8. Can businesses benefit from following hashtags?

Absolutely! Businesses can leverage hashtag following to monitor industry trends, track competitor activity, identify potential customers, and discover user-generated content related to their brand. Following relevant hashtags allows businesses to stay informed and engage in conversations happening within their target audience.

9. What’s the difference between following a hashtag and searching for it?

Searching for a hashtag displays the top and recent posts using that hashtag at that specific moment. Following a hashtag integrates posts with that hashtag directly into your main feed, ensuring you consistently see content related to that topic over time. Following is about ongoing curation, while searching is for immediate exploration.

10. Can I follow hashtags on Instagram through third-party apps?

While some third-party apps may offer features that seem similar to hashtag following, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Always prioritize using the native Instagram app for this function to ensure compliance with Instagram’s terms of service and avoid potential security risks. Third-party apps often require access to your Instagram account, which can compromise your privacy.

11. What if I’m not seeing posts from a hashtag I follow?

Several factors could contribute to this. First, check that you’re actually still following the hashtag. It’s easy to accidentally unfollow it. Second, consider your engagement with posts using that hashtag. If you rarely interact with them, Instagram’s algorithm may deprioritize them in your feed. Third, remember that the algorithm prioritizes recency and relevance. If there haven’t been many recent or highly engaging posts with the hashtag, you might not see them frequently.

12. How do I ensure my posts are seen when using a hashtag?

Simply using a hashtag doesn’t guarantee visibility. The key is to create high-quality, engaging content. Use relevant hashtags (a mix of broad and niche), encourage interaction (ask questions in your captions), and post consistently. Engage with other users who are using the same hashtags to build community and increase your reach. A well-rounded strategy is essential for maximizing visibility on Instagram.

Mastering the art of following hashtags on Instagram opens up a world of possibilities, connecting you with content, communities, and insights that are directly relevant to your interests and goals. So, start exploring, start following, and watch your Instagram experience transform.